Connect with TRB

TEST OF TURBO-ELECTRIC RAIL CAR. A SUMMARY REPORT ON PART TWO OF THE MASS TRANSPORTATION DEMONSTRATION GRANT PROJECT--LONG ISLAND RAIL ROAD, OCTOBER 1968-JUNE 1971

Under this project, a dual-mode, gas-turbine, electric rail car was tested in an attempt to evaluate its potential for high-speed commuter rail service. The car was designed to operate on electrified and non-electrified track. The project had two phases: Testing of a turbomechanical drive, and direct electrical drive. The test car was the one used previously in Part One of this test program to demonstrate the use of turbomechanical drive. For Part Two, summarized in this report, the test car was modified to provide an electric traction system in place of direct turbine power, to allow the use of diesel fuel for powering the turbines, and to demonstrate a 'chopper' type of voltage control for the traction motors. (Author)